A-DNA and B-DNA: Comparing Their Historical X-ray Fiber Diffraction ImagesAmand A. LucasThis paper provides a comparative explanation of the structural content of the diffraction diagrams of A-DNA and B-DNA that facilitated the discovery of the double-helical structure of DNA by Watson and Crick in 1953. This analysis is supported a method that simulates both A-DNA and B-DNA X-ray images optically.Lucas, Amand A. J. Chem. Educ.2008, 85, 737.

A Unique Demonstration Model of DNAJonathan P. L. CoxDescribes a physical demonstration model of DNA for the classroom. The model comprises two types of building blocks that can be put together rapidly to produce an abstract structure that portrays several of the gross architectural features of idealized B-DNA.Cox, Jonathan P. L. J. Chem. Educ.2006, 83, 1319.

Molecular Biology |

Molecular Properties / Structure |

Student-Centered Learning |

Nucleic Acids / DNA / RNA

DNA Profiling of the D1S80 Locus: A Forensic Analysis for the Undergraduate Biochemistry LaboratoryD. Dewaine Jackson, Chad S. Abbey, and Dylan NugentDescribes a laboratory exercise in DNA profiling that can be used to demonstrate four fundamental procedures: isolation of genomic DNA from human cells, use of the polymerase chain reaction to amplify DNA, separation of amplified DNAs on agarose and polyacrylamide gels, and quantitative analysis of data (while comparing two different gel separation techniques). Jackson, D. Dewaine; Abbey, Chad S.; Nugent, Dylan. J. Chem. Educ.2006, 83, 774.

Biological Cells |

Biotechnology |

Electrophoresis |

Forensic Chemistry |

Molecular Biology |

Quantitative Analysis |

Nucleic Acids / DNA / RNA

Testing for Ultraviolet Toxicity Using FungiMarcelo Vital and Patricia EsperónIn this article, we describe a laboratory project quantifying the effects of UV radiation on a suspension of living cells. This laboratory experiment was designed for undergraduate students in biochemistry. The experiment was carried out employing different fungi strains, changing the dosage of radiation, the distance to the UV source, and the exposure period to the UV radiation. The quantity of viable spores was calculated and the doseresponse curves were drawn. Students were able to prove that 100% of mortality was achieved with the longest time of exposure.Vital, Marcelo; Esperón, Patricia. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 926.

Nucleic Acids / DNA / RNA |

UV-Vis Spectroscopy |

Medicinal Chemistry |

Molecular Biology |

Photochemistry

Testing for Genetically Modified Foods Using PCRAnn Taylor and Samin SajanThe polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a powerful technique used to detect and amplify a specific DNA sequence. In this experiment, DNA is isolated from commercially available corn meal and corn-muffin mixes, then a sequence unique to transgenic plants is amplified by PCR. The amplified sequence is identified by its size (192 base pairs) by agarose gel electrophoresis. This experiment could be used in either a biochemistry course or in an analytical chemistry course in a curriculum that integrates biochemistry throughout the course work. Taylor, Ann; Sajan, Samin. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 597.

Agricultural Chemistry |

Constitutional Isomers |

Biotechnology |

Plant Chemistry |

Consumer Chemistry |

Nucleic Acids / DNA / RNA

A 3D Model of Double-Helical DNA Showing Variable Chemical DetailsSusan G. CadyA 3D double-helical DNA model, made by placing beads on a wire and stringing beads through holes in plastic canvas, is described. Suggestions are given to enhance the basic helical frame to show the shapes and sizes of the nitrogenous base rings, 3' and 5' chain termini, and base pair hydrogen bonding. Students can incorporate random or real gene sequence data into their models.Cady, Susan G. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 79.

Liver and Onions: DNA Extraction from Animal and Plant TissuesKaren J. Nordell, Anne-Marie L. Jackelen, S. Michael Condren, George C. Lisensky, and Arthur B. Ellis*This activity, which allows students to extract DNA from plant and animal cells, serves as a spectacular example of the complexity of biochemical structure and function and fits well with a discussion of nucleic acids, hydrogen bonding, genetic coding, and heredity. DNA extraction can also be used in conjunction with a discussion of polymers and their properties.Nordell, Karen J.; Jackelen, Anne-Marie L.; Condren, S. Michael; Lisensky, George C.; Ellis, Arthur B. J. Chem. Educ.1999, 76, 400A.

Hydrogen Bonding |

Molecular Properties / Structure |

Nucleic Acids / DNA / RNA

Chromatin Isolation and DNA Sequence Analysis in Large Undergraduate Laboratory SectionsAnn E. HagermanOne exercise is a simple laboratory experiment in which chromatin is isolated from chicken liver and is resolved into histone proteins and DNA by ion-exchange chromatography. The other is a series of computer simulations that introduce DNA sequencing, mapping, and sequence analysis to the students. Hagerman, Ann E. J. Chem. Educ.1999, 76, 1426.